For several years now, something terrible and incomprehensible has been happening in this provincial town - people have been disappearing without a trace. They are all visiting students, so the locals don't make a fuss. However, there are ominous rumors about a maniac, which the authorities for some reason prefer not to notice, classifying them as urban horror stories. Journalist Vera, who has long dreamed of taking the place of editor-in-chief of the newspaper, receives further evidence of the existence of a maniac and decides to make an exclusive material about it. After the article is published, the city explodes - the secret finally becomes clear. Vera occupies a coveted position. But the flip side of her triumph is the terrible trophies that the maniac throws at her.